External Monitors Now Compatible with Ikelite Housings for Enhanced Underwater Video Recording
Dive deeper into the world of underwater videography with the ability to connect external monitors and recorders to your Ikelite housing. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you achieve this:
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## Step 1: Understand Your Requirements
### What is an M24 Bulkhead? An M24 bulkhead is a waterproof connector port commonly used in underwater housings for connecting external devices. It typically has a 24mm outer thread diameter, allowing external HDMI or other signal transmission cables to pass through the housing without leaks.
### Why M24 Bulkhead for External Monitors? The use of external monitors and recorders, such as the Atomos Ninja V, can greatly benefit underwater video shooters using cameras like the Sony A1, Sony A7S III, Nikon Z7II, and others. However, the housing’s existing bulkhead may not support HDMI or may not fit the monitor’s cable. An M24 bulkhead with HDMI-compatible connectors allows safe underwater connection.
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## Step 2: Check Your Ikelite Housing Compatibility
1. **Verify if Your Ikelite Housing has an M24 Bulkhead Port** - Check the Ikelite parts catalog or your housing manual to see if your housing comes with an M24 bulkhead port or provisions for adding one. 2. **Confirm space and threading** - The housing must have a flat surface and enough space for an M24 threaded bulkhead. - The hole size should match or be modified with professional help.
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## Step 3: Source a Custom M24 Bulkhead Connector
### Options:
1. **Ikelite Official Bulkheads and Cables** - Ikelite offers compatible M24 bulkheads and HDMI cables. However, official HDMI bulkheads are less common and may require custom cable adapters.
2. **Specialized Underwater Connector Suppliers** - Companies like SubConn, UltiMA, and Seafrogs fabricate custom bulkheads. They can supply M24 bulkheads with HDMI connectors wired specifically for your devices.
3. **Custom Fabrication by Underwater Photography Specialists** - Contact underwater photography service companies or experienced technicians. They can modify or produce bulkheads with M24 threads and an HDMI feedthrough.
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## Step 4: Provide Detailed Specifications
When ordering a custom M24 bulkhead, give the fabricator:
- **Thread Size:** M24 x 1.0 (standard M24 thread pitch) - **Connector Type:** HDMI female on external side, waterproof sealed feedthrough inside - **Cable Type:** Compatible with Atomos Ninja V HDMI cable (Type A connector) - **Housing Material & Thickness:** Ikelite housing material info for sealing - **Waterproof Rating:** IP68 or better for deep dives - **Length & Dimensions:** To fit your housing wall thickness and allow for cable insertion
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## Step 5: Installation and Testing
1. **Installation:** - The bulkhead needs to be installed into the housing with O-rings and proper grease for sealing. - Tighten with correct torque to avoid leaks. 2. **Cable Setup:** - Use a compatible underwater HDMI cable that mates with the bulkhead externally and your Atomos Ninja V. 3. **Leak Testing:** - Before diving, conduct a full pressure test (wet test or professional pressure chamber). 4. **Functionality Test:** - Connect your camera via HDMI to the bulkhead and monitor through the Atomos Ninja V.
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## Additional Tips
- **Use HDMI Signal Booster if Needed:** Underwater HDMI cables can attenuate signal; consider a signal booster. - **Cable Management:** Keep cable lengths minimal inside housing to avoid tangling. - **Consult User Forums:** Ikelite and underwater videography forums are great resources to find people who made similar mods. - **Professional Help:** If uncomfortable with DIY, hire a dive photography equipment technician.
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## Summary
| Step | Action | |------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------| | 1. Requirements | Confirm M24 bulkhead for external monitor use | | 2. Check Housing | Verify Ikelite housing compatibility & space | | 3. Order Bulkhead | From Ikelite, SubConn, or custom fabricator | | 4. Specify Details | Thread size, connector type, sealing specs | | 5. Install & Test | Proper sealing, pressure test, HDMI connection check |
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Bluewater Photo, a reputable store for underwater photography accessories, offers custom ordering services for M24 bulkheads for Ikelite housings. If you wish, I can help you draft a precise order/specification request to send to a manufacturer or supplier! Simply let me know.
- Bluewater Photo can help with custom ordering M24 bulkheads for Ikelite housings, saving you the hassle of searching for suppliers.
- With the addition of an M24 bulkhead, you can easily connect external monitors and recorders like the Atomos Ninja V to your Ikelite housing for better underwater videography.
- To benefit from having an M24 bulkhead, make sure your Ikelite housing has the necessary provisions or check the parts catalog for compatibility.
- Seek out M24 bulkheads with HDMI connectors from Ikelite, SubConn, UltiMA, Seafrogs, or custom fabricators for a safe and reliable underwater connection.
- Home-and-garden tech gadget enthusiasts might find the M24 bulkhead a great addition to their lifestyle, expanding their photography skills into the underwater realm.
- To maximize the use of data-and-cloud-computing technology in your photography work, consider investing in an M24 bulkhead for your Ikelite housing, allowing you to connect and monitor your shots more effectively underwater.
